Steve Martin biography

It's Complicated

Steve Martin's hometownWaco, Texas, is probably more well know for the horrifying conflagration of the Branch Davidians than it is for being the birthplace of this comic gem. Although born in Waco, Martin was actually brought up the son of a real-estate executive in Southern California.

He began his show business career at the age of 18, selling guidebooks and doing magic tricks at Disneyland. He later added some banjo playing and comedy routines to his act.

A major in philosophy at California State University, Martin had serious thoughts about becoming a teacher until the drama bug hit and he switched to UCLA where he graduated with a degree in theater arts.

His first step into the limelight was as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, for which he was honored in 1969 with an Emmy. He also wrote for Sonny and Cher and other acts before taking his own routines on to the stage and then recording his own Wild and Crazy Guy antics.

It was on Saturday Night Live where Martin garnered the huge audience he can still command today. In fact, he has made more appearances on 'SNL' than anyone elseclose behind him is Buck Henry.

Whether true or not, he once told reporters that he had business cards printed up for all those fans that would approach him that said something like: 'This certifies that you had a real encounter with Steve Martin and found him to be kind, courteous, charming and witty.'

Married to actress Victoria Tennant in 1986, he divorced her in 1994. In 2000 he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy from the American Comedy Awards. He has been nominated for a Golden Globe five times and won two People's Choice Awards.